Energy gap

The energy gap, often referred to as the band gap in the context of solid-state physics, is the energy difference between the highest energy electrons in a material (the valence band) and the lowest energy states of the conduction band. This concept is crucial in understanding the electronic properties of materials, particularly in semiconductors and insulators. ### Key Points: 1. **Types of Materials**: - **Conductors**: These materials have no energy gap, allowing electrons to flow freely.